Quick Analysis
BENELLI 502C
19.5 pts
Unweighted: 14 advantages
EnginePerformanceDimensionsBrakesTyresFeaturesOther
TRIUMPH BONNEVILLE T100
13.5 pts
Unweighted: 9 advantages
EnginePerformanceDimensionsBrakesTyresFeaturesOther
| Specification | ||
|---|---|---|
Engine Specifications |
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| Cooling System | Liquid-cooled | Liquid cooled |
| Displacement | 500cc | 900 cc |
| Engine Type | 2-cylinder, 4-stroke, 8-valve | 8 valve, SOHC, 270° crank angle parallel twin |
| Power | 35kW @ 8500 r/min | 65 PS / 64.1 bhp (47.8 kW) @ 7400 rpm |
| Torque | 46N·m @ 6000 r/min | 80 Nm @ 3750 rpm |
Performance & Efficiency |
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| Fuel Tank Capacity | 21.5L | 14.5 L |
| Mileage | 26.5 Kmpl | 24 kmpl |
Dimensions & Weight |
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| Kerb Weight | 216 | 228 kg |
| Seat Height | 760 | 790 mm |
Brakes & Suspension |
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| ABS | Dual Channel | Dual Channel ABS |
| Front Brake | Disc Front Brake 280 mm Caliper - 4 Piston | Single 310mm floating disc, Brembo 2 piston axial caliper, ABS |
| Front Suspension | Upside down telescopic fork – 135mm | 41mm cartridge forks |
| Rear Brake | Disc Front Brake 240 mm Caliper - 1 Piston | Single 255mm disc, Nissin 2 piston floating caliper, ABS |
| Rear Suspension | Telescopic coil spring oil damped – 50mm | Twin RSU’s, with pre-load adjustment |
Tyres & Wheels |
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| Front Tyre | 120/70 ZR17 | 100/90-18 |
| Rear Tyre | 160/60 ZR17 | 150/70 R17 |
| Tyre Type | Tube | Tubeless |
| Wheel Type | Alloy | Alloy |
Features & Technology |
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| Headlight | LED | DRLs LED |
Other Specifications |
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| Battery | 12V / 8AH | — |
| Bike Image 1 | https://motoautiv.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/502cmatteblack.webp | — |
| Color Options | Matte Black | #1C1C1C | Aluminium / Baja Orange |
| Cons | Bulk and weight can make city riding or tight manoeuvres tricky: For its size and weight, it’s not easy to handle, U-turns, narrow lanes or heavy traffic require care and effort. Pillion comfort and practicality issues: The rear seat and pillion comfort setup don’t match the front’s promise very well; for two-up rides or long tours with a passenger, it might feel compromised. Ride can be a bit firm: Suspension may feel stiff on certain rough patches or very uneven roads — not the plushest cruiser ride in all conditions. Fuel efficiency and running cost may not be ideal: Given the displacement and weight, fuel consumption and maintenance may turn out costlier than lighter/smaller bikes — something to weigh if you ride daily. Feature-set and usability tradeoffs: While it offers the basics, it misses some modern amenities (e.g. advanced electronics or luggage accessories) that some rivals may provide — limiting its appeal for tourers or riders wanting more convenience. | Suspension setup and long-ride comfort could be better: Some reviews point to a softly tuned suspension that may wallow during mid-corner bumps, which reduces confidence at speed. Mild vibration and engine heat in certain conditions: When pushed beyond 3,000 rpm or in stop-and-go traffic, some users notice vibrations at the tank/pegs and heat from the radiator, which detracts a little from refined operation. Braking and performance vs modern bikes: Although adequate and styled well, the T100’s brakes (single disc front) and performance are not at the level of high-end sport bikes or modern performance standards—this may matter if you expect brisk spirited riding. Premium cost and ownership considerations: The British brand premium means higher initial cost and possibly higher maintenance compared to mass-market alternatives; sourcing accessories or servicing in some regions may also require additional care or cost. |
| Detailed Overview | The Benelli 502C is a middleweight motorcycle designed in a cruiser style, but it uses a twin-cylinder engine more commonly seen in roadster or touring bikes. It is powered by a 500 cc, liquid-cooled, parallel-twin engine that produces around 47.5 PS (35 kw) of power and 46 Nm of torque, paired with a 6-speed gearbox. The engine feels smooth and works well at steady speeds, making it suitable for relaxed riding. It can reach a top speed of around 160 km/h, although in normal conditions it is mostly used at lower cruising speeds. The bike is built on a steel trellis frame and comes with upside-down front forks and a rear monoshock suspension. This setup helps with stability, but the suspension is on the firmer side, so uneven roads and bumps are clearly felt. Braking is handled by dual disc brakes at the front and a single disc at the rear, along with dual-channel ABS. The bike runs on 17-inch alloy wheels with wide tyres, which add to its grip and road presence. In terms of size, the Benelli 502C has a kerb weight of around 216–220 kg, which makes it one of the heavier bikes in this segment. The seat height is around 750 mm, which is relatively low and helps riders place their feet on the ground easily. It also gets a large fuel tank of about 21 litres, which supports longer rides without frequent refuelling. Ground clearance is adequate for city and highway use, but care is needed on bigger speed breakers. The bike comes with a fully digital instrument cluster that shows basic information like speed, fuel level, gear position, and trip details. It also gets full LED lighting, but does not offer advanced features like Bluetooth connectivity. In real-world conditions, mileage usually falls between 22 to 25 km/l depending on riding style and traffic. Overall, the 502C focuses on a mix of cruiser design and twin-cylinder performance, while keeping the feature list simple and more focused on essential riding needs. | The **Triumph Bonneville T100** is a true embodiment of timeless British motorcycling heritage, blending the iconic looks of the 1960s Bonneville with the comfort, technology, and performance expected from a modern-day classic. As one of Triumph’s most celebrated models in its Modern Classics lineup, the T100 captures the essence of retro charm while offering the practicality and dependability needed for today’s riders. It stands as an ideal choice for those who appreciate the old-school café racer aesthetic but don’t want to compromise on ride quality or modern-day engineering. At the heart of the Bonneville T100 lies a **900cc parallel-twin, liquid-cooled engine** that delivers around **65 PS of power and 80 Nm of torque**. This high-torque engine provides excellent low and mid-range pull, making it ideal for relaxed cruising and city commuting. Triumph has fine-tuned this motor for smooth throttle response, effortless acceleration, and a refined exhaust note that gives the bike its unmistakable character. The 5-speed gearbox complements the power delivery perfectly, offering crisp and predictable gear shifts. It’s a machine built for comfort and confidence rather than aggressive speed, appealing to riders who prefer a relaxed yet powerful ride. Design-wise, the Bonneville T100 is a masterpiece of retro styling. It proudly carries its vintage DNA with features like **spoke wheels, teardrop fuel tank, twin-pod analogue instrument cluster, round headlamp, and brushed aluminum finishes**. Every inch of the bike reflects attention to detail, from the chrome accents to the signature tank badge reminiscent of the original Bonneville. Despite its retro looks, the T100 hides modern technology beneath its classic exterior. Features such as **ride-by-wire throttle, switchable traction control, dual-channel ABS, and LED lighting** ensure that the rider enjoys both safety and sophistication. Comfort is another area where the T100 shines. With its **low seat height of 790 mm**, the bike is accessible to a wide range of riders, including those new to big-capacity motorcycles. The upright riding posture, wide handlebars, and well-cushioned seat make long rides comfortable, while the suspension setup—featuring telescopic forks and twin rear shocks—offers a balanced blend of comfort and stability. Although some riders might find the suspension slightly soft for spirited riding, it’s perfectly tuned for city roads and smooth highway cruising. On the road, the T100 offers a composed and planted feel. It’s not the fastest or most aggressive Triumph, but it’s incredibly well-mannered and confidence-inspiring. The braking system, equipped with a single front disc and rear disc with ABS, offers reliable stopping power, though it may not match sportier counterparts. What the T100 truly excels at is its **refined, predictable nature**—it’s a motorcycle that rewards smooth riding and allows you to savor the journey. In essence, the **Triumph Bonneville T100** is more than just a motorcycle—it’s a statement of style and tradition. It appeals to riders who value craftsmanship, simplicity, and emotional connection with their machine. While it comes at a premium price, its blend of performance, design, and British heritage makes it a timeless choice for enthusiasts who want a classic that feels just as good to ride as it does to admire. |
| Expert Review | The Benelli 502C is a mid-capacity cruiser-style bike that focuses more on relaxed riding and road presence in the Indian market. It uses a 500 cc twin-cylinder engine that feels smooth and easy to manage, especially at steady speeds, but the overall weight of the bike makes it feel heavy in city traffic. In slow-moving conditions, handling and quick turns can take some effort, while on highways it feels more stable and comfortable. The riding posture is laid-back with wide handlebars and forward-set footpegs, which suits longer rides, but the suspension is on the stiffer side, so bad roads are clearly felt. The bike comes with basic features like a digital display and LED lighting, without advanced connectivity options. In India, its relevance depends on factors like service availability, maintenance cost, and how comfortable a rider is with its size and weight in daily use., 3.9, MotoAutiv Team | MotoAutiv Team |
| FAQ (Manual Override) | Q: Is the Benelli 502C good for daily use in India? A: The Benelli 502C can be used daily, but its heavy weight and wide size can make it difficult in heavy traffic and tight city roads. Q: How is the Benelli 502C for long rides? A: The Benelli 502C is more comfortable on highways, where the relaxed riding position and stable feel make long rides easier. Q: What mileage does the Benelli 502C give in real-world riding? A: The Benelli 502C usually gives around 22–25 km/l depending on riding style and traffic conditions. Q: Is the Benelli 502C easy to handle for beginners? A: The Benelli 502C may not be ideal for beginners because of its weight and size, especially at low speeds. Q: How is the service and maintenance of the Benelli 502C in India? A: The Benelli 502C can have higher maintenance costs, and service availability may be limited in smaller cities. Q: Does the Benelli 502C heat up in traffic? A: The Benelli 502C can feel warm in slow-moving traffic, which is common for larger engines in Indian conditions. Q: Is the Benelli 502C comfortable for a pillion? A: The Benelli 502C has a small rear seat, so pillion comfort is not the strongest point, especially on longer rides. Q: How does the Benelli 502C perform on bad roads? A: The Benelli 502C has a slightly stiff suspension, so bumps and rough roads are felt more clearly. Q: What makes the Benelli 502C different from other bikes in this segment? A: The Benelli 502C stands out mainly for its cruiser styling combined with a twin-cylinder engine, which is not very common in this price range. | Q: What engine does the Bonneville T100 use? A: It uses a 900 cc liquid-cooled parallel twin (8-valve, SOHC, 270° crank) engine that delivers 65 PS at 7,400 rpm and 80 Nm of torque at 3,750 rpm. Q: What is the seat height and wet weight of the Bonneville T100? A: The seat height is 790 mm and the wet weight is 228 kg (in the 2023 spec). Q: What is the fuel tank capacity and real-world mileage of the T100? A: The fuel tank capacity is 14.5 litres. Real-world mileage is quoted around 24 km/l in mixed conditions. Q: What features and modern technology does the Bonneville T100 offer? A: It comes with dual-dial analogue speedometer/tachometer plus LCD multi-function display, ABS, switchable traction control, torque-assist clutch and LED rear lighting. Q: What are the riding characteristics and ergonomics of the T100? A: The T100 offers upright, relaxed riding ergonomics, a low seat height for a premium classic bike, and styling inspired by the original 1959 Bonneville. Q: Is the Bonneville T100 suitable for both city commuting and longer rides? A: Yes — its smooth engine, comfortable ergonomics and moderate power make it suitable for daily riding and relaxed longer trips, though it is not a sport bike for very aggressive riding. Q: What is the price of the Bonneville T100 in India? A: As of the latest quoted specs, the ex-showroom price starts from around ₹ 10.85 lakh in India. Q: What is the service interval for the T100? A: The service interval is approximately 16,000 km (10,000 miles) or 12 months, whichever comes first. |
| Fuel System | Fuel Injection | — |
| Price Variants | STD | 580000 | Standard | 1085400 |
| Pros | Looks and road presence: The 502C has a bold, muscular cruiser-style appearance. Its design draws attention, giving you strong presence on the road. Balanced engine and rideability: The 500 cc twin offers smooth, linear power delivery that’s easy to manage in city traffic but still capable on highways enough punch for overtakes or cruising without being overly aggressive. Comfortable ergonomics for many riders: With a low seat height and relaxed riding posture, it’s reasonably comfortable for day-to-day rides or weekend trips. Good for highway and long rides: Large fuel tank and stable chassis make it well-suited for longer rides due to less frequent refuelling and a planted feel at cruising speeds. Decent performance + braking hardware: The bike’s brakes (disc + ABS) and suspension are competent for its segment, offering reasonably confident stopping power and decent ride quality over typical road surfaces. | The T100 features a responsive 900 cc high-torque parallel twin engine which delivers 65 PS and 80 Nm in the latest version, offering strong mid-range power and a rich characterised “Bonneville” sound. Excellent handling and accessibility: With a low seat height of 790 mm, refined chassis and updated suspension, many riders find it easier to handle—especially in town traffic and for riders of moderate height. Stylish modern-classic appeal: The T100 nails retro styling with brushed metal finishes, twin clocks, spoke wheels and design cues inspired by the original 1960s Bonnie, while incorporating modern features like ride-by-wire, traction control and full LED lighting. Practical for everyday use: The relaxed upright ergonomics, smooth engine delivery and manageable size make it a good all-rounder for daily riding and occasional longer rides. |
| Starter | Electric | — |
| Transmission | 6-speed | 5 speed |
